Starting seeds indoors is typically done six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. It is easy to do with many benefits for the gardener. Seed starting also makes a fun family project during the latter weeks of winter when cabin fever is really beginning to set in.
Getting Started:
Getting started is simple and only takes a few supplies.
- Preparing Containers
Gather containers to be used and sterilize them by dipping them into a sink or bucket filled with hot water and household bleach. Two cups of bleach to five gallons of water should be more than enough to sterilize containers. Allow to dry completely. Poke a few drain holes in sides near bottom of containers. Containers are now ready for soil.
- Soil
Soil for starting seeds should be sterile. Purchase a good potting soil from garden center rather than using garden soil. If garden soil is used, place it in a baking dish in 180° oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours. This will kill any weed seeds, soil born diseases and pest eggs which may have survived in the soil.
Note that soil should be wet and allowed to drain before placing it in containers. Soil should never be dripping wet or bone dry. It should be kept evenly moist, especially when seedlings are just getting started.
When filling containers, be sure to fill them to the brim with soil. Air should be able to flow across the top of soil.
Set containers on cookie sheets or large casserole dishes. This will help to prevent newly planted seeds from toppling over.
- Light
Set up shelving near a window or clear out the window sill. A south facing window is best but any sunny window is good. If artificial light is being used, hang light above where pots will be placed. Hang light(s) with chain on hooks making it adjustable as it will have to be moved up as seedlings grow. Ten to twelve inches above containers is a good starting point.
- Planting Seeds
Plant seeds according to packet directions. Generally, seeds are planted at a depth as wide as the seed itself. That is to say, a seed which is ¼ inch wide should be planted ¼ inch deep. Many seeds will not need covering at all and some only a simple dusting of soil over them.
What Can Go Wrong?
There are a few problems one might encounter when trying to germinate seeds indoors. All of which are simple to avoid if the gardener knows what to watch for.
Low Germination Rate
This may be caused by seeds which are not viable. Be certain to use only fresh or properly stored seeds.
Seeds were planted too deep in the soil. Check sowing directions on seed pack for proper depth.
Containers are placed in an area which is too cool. Seeds need warmth to germinate.
Over or under watering soil may prevent seed from germinating.
Fungus
Damping off is caused by a fungus and is a problem with seeds and seedlings in wet soil.
Fungus gnats are the little black gnats found around most plants with wet soil.
Assuring Success:
- Seedlings should receive ten to twelve hours of light per day.
- Use good quality soil mixture.
- Germinate seeds in a room without major temperature fluctuations. Temperatures between 65° and 80° F. seem to be optimal for most seeds. Check seed package for more detail on temperature.
- Keep soil evenly moist. Watering with spray bottle rather than pouring water in and taking a chance of washing seeds from soil or overwatering. Never allow soil to become soggy.
- Seedlings may be fertilized with a weak compost tea once they are well established. A commercial liquid fertilizer may also be used.
- Set an oscillating fan in the room to circulate air, especially on warm days. Fan should not be set to blow directly on seedlings.
- Place a pan of water near seedlings to help create humidity.
- Turn seedlings once per week to prevent one-sided or leggy growth.
- Plant extra seeds to allow for those which do not germinate.
- Seeds planted in snack size yogurt-type cups may have to be ‘stepped-up’ to a larger container before time to plant out. If this is the case, do not disturb root system any more than is necessary.
- Label each container.
- Keep track of each step in a seed starting journal.
Follow the twelve simple steps above to get a head start on spring gardening with healthy seedlings.
A list of supplies can be found in the article, “Simple Seed Starting.”
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